Healing Herb News You Can Use

Ashwagandha has amazing immunity-boosting benefits: According to The Herb Companion, taking one to two teaspoons twice or three times daily of Ashwagandha, a shrub extract used widely in Ayurvedic healing — or one 500 mg capsule of ashwagandha three times daily — is plenty to obtain its energy-boosting power. This time-tested herb boosts immunity; improves memory and learning capacity; reduces stress; balances blood sugar; lowers bad cholesterol levels and reduces inflammation.

Basil works against acne: Recent research has shown that sweet basil oil and holy basil oil can help combat acne. This is thanks to the antibacterial properties of basil.

Rosemary increases brain power: Researchers from Northumbria University in the United Kingdom found that the amount of 1,8-cineole, a main chemical in rosemary oil, in the blood is linked with improved brain performance.

Parsley is effective against cancer: Studies show that myristicin, an organic compound found in the essential oil of parsley, not only inhibits tumor formation (especially in the lungs), but also activates the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, which helps the molecule glutathione attach to, and ﬁght against, oxidized molecules.

Cilantro can crush salmonella: In a recent study led by Isao Kubo, Ph.D at the University of Berkeley, laboratory tests have shown that this component of cilantro is two times as potent as the commonly-used allopathic antibiotic medicine gentamycin. This makes it a potent weapon against the dangerous salmonella bacteria.

Mint is a stomach soother: repeated trials on the benefits of mint have established it to be very effective against stomach disorders ranging from irritable bowel to dyspepsia and cramps.